Thames Clippers
High-speed catamaran river bus service on the Thames, branded Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, linking 24 piers from Putney to Barking Riverside
High-speed catamaran river bus service on the Thames, branded Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, linking 24 piers from Putney to Barking Riverside
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is London's river bus — high-speed catamarans linking 24 piers from Putney to Barking Riverside. Part of the TfL network, it accepts Oyster and contactless payment, delivering spectacular views from a heated cabin or open deck.
These are working boats, not pleasure cruises, departing every twenty minutes. Hop on at Westminster, sail past the Tower of London and step off at Greenwich in thirty minutes. It is the most scenic ride in the city — tourists are welcome aboard.
The main RB1 route runs east from Battersea Power Station to Barking Riverside, stopping at Embankment, Bankside (for the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe), Tower Pier, Canary Wharf, Greenwich and the O2. It is the busiest route and operates early morning to late evening seven days a week. The RB6 extends west, connecting Putney to North Greenwich via Chelsea Harbour, Battersea and Blackfriars. For visitors, the standout journey is the RB1 between Westminster and Greenwich — thirty minutes of uninterrupted Thames scenery, arriving at the doorstep of the Cutty Sark and Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thames Clippers are working boats, not slow pleasure cruisers, and that is part of their appeal. The catamarans have comfortable indoor seating, large windows and an open rear deck for watching the city slide past. The bar serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and alcohol — a unique privilege on the TfL network. There is no running commentary, but that is the point — you take in the views at your own pace. Travel mid-morning or late afternoon for a quieter ride and the best light for photographs. The golden hour run from Canary Wharf to Westminster, with the sun setting behind Parliament, is one of London's great spectacles.
Greenwich is the most popular destination on the network. The pier sits beside the Cutty Sark, the nineteenth-century clipper ship now a museum, and within walking distance of the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian line, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Market. Arriving by river transforms the approach — you see the grand Baroque facade of the Old Royal Naval College from the water, framed by Greenwich Park, exactly as the architects intended. From Greenwich, continue east to the O2 for concerts and the rooftop climbing experience, or transfer to the Emirates Air Line cable car. Head back west as the light changes and the riverside buildings glow for the evening.
Oyster and contactless fares are significantly cheaper than walk-up paper tickets — always tap in rather than buying at the pier if you have a card
Walk-up paper tickets cost significantly more than Oyster or contactless fares. Always tap in at the yellow reader on the pier to get the discounted price and benefit from daily capping.
The open rear deck gives you an unobstructed view in all directions. It is the best spot for photographs, especially when passing the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
The Westminster to Greenwich run takes about 30 minutes and arrives right beside the Cutty Sark. Combine the boat ride with a visit to the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Market.
Between 7am and 9am the boats are packed with commuters heading to Canary Wharf. For a relaxed sightseeing trip with available seats, travel after 10am or in the early afternoon.
Every Thames Clipper has a small bar serving coffee, beer, wine and snacks. It is the only part of the TfL network where you can enjoy a drink while travelling — take advantage of it.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: February 27, 2026
